ASID Showhouse

The Grand Opening of the ASID 08 Showhouse in East Shore The Woodlands was last weekend and it attracted more than 500 people. The Showhouse is a $2,675,000 Southern Colonial home by Post Homes, Ltd. it was set in the "Garden District" of The Woodlands Town Center.

The beautiful home was designed by over 20 members of the American Society of Interior Designers Gulf Coast Chapter, each room was created by a different designer making the home even more amazing and breathtaking.

The ASID Showhouse is located at 6 Georgian Row in the Colonial Park neighborhood of East Shore. This home features many magnificent details including low-VOC paints, sustainable materials, recycled glass tiles and flooring made from wine barrels.

The furnishings and accessories will be sold at the Showhouse. It will remain open through Sunday, November 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays. This Showhouse benefits the GastroEsophageal Cancer Foundation, Inc. and tickets are sold at the door for $15.

To learn more about The Woodlands Real Estate, feel free to call us at (832) 482-9367 or click here to contact us by eMail.

The Woodlands Offers $2,000 to New Homebuyers

On October 25, 2008 The Woodlands started a special holiday promotion that offers a $2,000 Woodforest National Bank MasterCard to new home buyers of selected homes in the community if they purchased by December 31, 2008 and close by February 28, 2009.

"Home for the Holidays" is the name of this new program which is also offering incentives of up to $50,000 from nearly all The Woodlands homebuilders. The homes that pertain to this program have a price range from the $150,000 to more than $3 million. The buyer will also receive a free one-year family membership to the South Montgomery County YMCA. The Woodlands has two YMCA branches with a third new facility opening next year in the Village of Creekside Park.

Creekside Park is where many of the homes in the program are available, Sterling Ridge and East Shore also has some of these homes.

Some of the Builder's incentives include:

- Carlton Woods Properties - $2,000 American Express gift card with the purchase of a new home

- Carmel Builders - $15,000 in custom options on all homes

- Chesmar Homes - $10,000 off the sales price for homes not started by 10/25/08 that can close by 2/28/09, or up to $20,000 off the price on select inventory homes

- Coventry Homes - $5,000 in custom options on all homes; No electric payments for two years on all homes; $2,000 Best Buy gift card on completed homes.

- Darling Homes - $15,000 towards personalizing your Darling home

- David Weekley Homes - $15,000 decorator allowance

- Gracepoint Homes - $10,000 towards upgrades to the buyer and $1,500 BTSA for the Realtor when the buyer builds a new home

- Highland Homes - $15,000 off the sales price

- Huntington Homes - $50,000 off the sales price

- Lennar Homes - $10,000 discount on selected homes

- Partners in Building - $20,000 in designer upgrades with a new home purchase in Player Trail

- Plantation Homes - $5,000 in custom options on all homes; No electric payments for two years on all homes; $2,000 Best Buy gift card on completed homes

- Southern Mark Homes - $7,000 in custom upgrades

- Trendmaker Homes - $10,000 Design Center allowance on select inventory homes;

- Village Builders - $10,000 discount on selected homes

- Wilshire Homes - $15,000 decorator allowance at Wilshire's Design Center

- The Woodlands Custom Homes - $10,000 off the sales price of selected completed homes or $10,000 towards closing costs.

The buyer should notify the Home finder Center after the closing and make arrangements to redeem their $2,000 MasterCard and YMCA gift certificate by March 31, 2009.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

Bridgewood Property Company purchases site for senior living community

A new site for a Senior Living Community has been purchased by Bridgewood Property Company in The Woodlands, Texas. They purchased a 2.66 acre site which overlooks the magnificent Woodlands Waterway and will be a future senior living rental residential community which will offer independent and assisted living apartments.

This new development will be known as The Village of The Woodlands and it will be located at the southwest corner of Grogan's Mill Road and Lake Robbins Drive on the Waterway. It will contain 188 units and around 250,000 square feet. The construction for this new development has a scheduled beginning of spring of 2009 and is expected to be completed by fall of 2010.

These Common areas of these apartments will include a living room, dining room overlooking The Waterway, bridge room, library, theater and fitness center with indoor pool. Many other amenities and services will also be offered to the residents of The Village of The Woodlands, these will include flexible meal programs, controlled access parking, scheduled activities, events and transportation, a billiards room, computer room, 24-hour on-site management, cultural guild programs, landscaped courtyards, and spacious lobbies with sitting areas throughout the building.

A variety of apartments will be offered including studio, one bedroom, one-bedroom plus study and two-bedroom apartments. These will feature full kitchens with full sized refrigerator, microwave, stove, dishwasher and garbage disposal. Other features are standard including stackable washer/dryer, climate controls, walk-in shower with safety bars and telephone and cable connections, nine-foot ceilings and mini-blinds throughout, wall-to-wall carpet in living rooms and bedrooms, and tile in kitchens and baths.

The Bridgewood Property Company specializes in creating quality communities for senior adults with experienced, professional, caring staffs and resident programs which will stimulate mind and spirit. This company has developed 2,500 independent living units in six states in the U.S. for the past 10 years.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

The Urban Land Institute holds its first conference in The Woodlands

The first Suburban Marketplace conference of the Houston District Council of the Urban Land Institute (ULI) was held in The Woodlands Texas. The conference took place in The Woodlands Waterway Marriott Hotel & Conference Center, the participants got a view of The Woodlands development first hand.

The ULI conference lasted half day and it was modeled after the successful ULI Houston Urban Marketplace Conference which has attracted over 600 attendees and around 60 exhibitors from non-for-profit, for-profit, and public sectors. The conference was featured by a keynote speaker, roundtable discussion groups, discussion panels, a cocktail reception and a marketplace with exhibitors. The focus of this conference was to promote the best practices in suburban development.

The keynote speaker for this year was Mr. Gadi Kaufmann, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of RCLCO (Robert Charles Lesser & Co.), the largest independent real estate advisory firm in the nation.

This conference also featured tours of The Woodlands Town Center which were conducted by The Woodlands Development Company, The Woodlands Township and The Woodlands Convention & Visitors Bureau.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

Expansion of The Plantation Apartments by Easterling Development Company

The Construction of phase two of The Plantation Apartments in The Woodlands, Texas is on the way with the 5.8 acre site purchased in College Park Drive (State Highway 242) by Easterling Development Company.

The gate neighborhood is located at the northwest corner of Windsor Hills Drive and College Park drive and has the first phase of construction. This gated neighborhood includes 312 luxury apartments with various amenities which include:

- A clubhouse with swimming pool and built-in grilling area
- Fitness center
- Children's playscape
- Basketball court
- Movie screening room
- Computer room
- Community meeting room

The second phase of this gated community will consist of 120 apartments next to phase one, they will include their own swimming pool. There will be similar floor plans and rental rates to phase one.

There will be one, two and three bedroom apartment homes with up to two and a half baths. Apartments will range in size from 800 to 1,400 sq.ft. there will be covered parking areas and enclosed garages as an extra option. The architect of this project is Steinberg Design Collaborative.

The completion of phase two of The Plantation Apartments will be planned for late summer of 2009.

This is the third apartment neighborhood that is developed by Easterling Development in The Woodlands. The first was in the Village of Alden Bridge and they are known as Whispering Pines Ranch Apartments, the second is located across Windsor Hills Drive and is Pine Creek Ranch Apartments.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

David Weekley Homes in The Woodlands Montfair

David Weekley Homes in The Woodlands Montfair is currently blowing out their prices on Hampton Style Cottage Homes and they're are ready for move-in.

55 Chipwyck Way-Breeland
This delightful 3 bedroom, 2 bath 1 story home offers a fantastic open kitchen. It has upgraded appliances, 42" maple cabinets, granite countertops and deep stainless sink. There is extensive tile, wood in the dining room and upgraded carpet and pad. There are beautiful tile accents in the master bath and the kitchen backsplash. You will also enjoy the covered front and rear porches. Sod in backyard and sprinkler system included. $199,990

79 Chipwyck Way-Brazelton
Fabulous 4 bedroom, 2 1/2 bath with study on a corner lot. Unbelievable upgrades include extensive 18" tile throughout and high quality carpet with plush upgraded pad. The kitchen has 42"maple cabinets and granite tops with upgraded gas appliances. Stunning hard surface countertops with drop-in sinks. Huge covered porch on front and back. Sod and sprinkler are included. $255,990

71 Chipwyck Way-Larsen - SOLD
This Large 1 story 3 bedroom home with 2 bath is great for entertaining. Huge kitchen with granite countertops and upgraded cabinets. Nice formal dining and study as you enter the home. Upgraded wood floors in the study and upgraded tile in dining room. Surround sound in family room, large master bedroom with great master bath, amazing landscaping, sprinkler's and sod included. Must see!! $218,990

75 Chipwyck Way-Milton
This beautiful 2 story home has 3 bedrooms with 2 1/2 baths. High ceilings in family room, great breakfast area w/sunroom overlooking your backyard. Nice kitchen with lots of cabinets and granite countertops. Upgraded wood floors in study, family and entry way. Rear covered porch...Sod and sprinker's inlcuded $227,990.

78 Whetstone Ridge Way-Brazelton
Wow!!! Gorgeous 2 story home with 3 bedrooms, 2 1/2 baths, formal dining and study with upgraded wood floors, tile throughout kitchen, entry and family room. Silestone countertops with 42" maple cabinets. Huge back yard and lots of trees!!! $236,990

There are more inventory homes ready for move-in...call today at (832) 482-9367 or eMail us by clicking here to Schedule a Showing.

The lodges in Montfair The Woodlands

Village Builders has 4 beautiful lodges in Montfair in The Woodlands, Texas. The lodges are:

7 Pine Needle Place
GE Stainless Steel apliances in the kitchen, tile in dinning, kitchen, entry and family rooom. Omega Stone in kitchen with under mount sink, decor backsplash in kitchen, tile showers surround, oversized master shower, iron stair baluster, 42" cabinets in kitchen, upgraded carpet, Omega Stone countertops in master bath, crown molding, brick exterior, garage door openers, and recessed can lighting throughout!! Energy star home with a radiant roof barrier to help reduce attic temperatures!!
3 Bedrooms 2.5 baths 2 car garage 1762 sq.ft.
Sales Price: $207,787
Available: June 2008

6 Pine Needle Place
GE Stainless Steel apliances in the kitchen, 2" faus wood blinds, tile in dinning, kitchen, entry and family rooom. Omega Stone in kitchen with under mount sink, decor backsplash in kitchen, tile showers surround, oversized master shower, iron stair baluster, 42" cabinets in kitchen, upgraded carpet, Omega Stone countertops in master bath, pre-wired surround sound in family room, crown molding, brick exterior, garage door openers, and recessed can lighting throughout!! Energy star home with a radiant roof barrier to help reduce attic temperatures!!
3 Bedrooms 2.5 baths 2 car garage 1762 sq.ft.
Sales Price: $204,312
Available: June 2008

149 E. Montfair Blvd.
GE Stainless Steel apliances in the kitchen, 2" faus wood blinds, tile in dinning, kitchen, entry and family rooom. Omega Stone in kitchen with under mount sink, decor backsplash in kitchen, tile showers surround, oversized master shower, iron stair baluster, 42" cabinets in kitchen, upgraded carpet, Omega Stone countertops in master bath, pre-wired surround sound in family room, crown molding, brick exterior, garage door openers, and recessed can lighting throughout!! Energy star home with a radiant roof barrier to help reduce attic temperatures!!
3 Bedrooms 2.5 baths 2 car garage 1762 sq.ft.
Sales Price: $204,555
Available: July 2008

The lodges in Montfair offer a Maintenance FREE lifestyle, with exterior maintenance of your townhome takes care for you!! Low tax rate of 2.30% ~ HOA Dues .385% ~ Monthly Maintenance Fee does apply. Schedule a Showing Today!!...Call at (832) 482-9367 or contact our new home specialist, Luis Tamborrel at (281) 813-6027 or eMail him by clicking here.

Paloma Trail Creekside Park Update

Located in The Woodlands, Texas newest neighborhood, Creekside Park residents can select from beautifully wooded lots or tranquil lakeside locations, with home designs ranging from 4,150 to over 5,500 square feet. Architectural styles, ranging from classic "Old World" with brick and stone combinations, to mediterranean elevations with clay tile roofs, combine with dramatic entries with curves staircases, outdoor courtyards/living areas, first-floor guest rooms, large granite islands, Baja walk-in showers, optional media rooms, three car garage and much more!

Here's a brief update for Darling Homes available luxury homes in Paloma Trail in Creekside Park.

Darling Homes currently has 4 luxury homes almost ready for move-in. These homes are:

26 Mohawk Path Place
This home has a dramatic entry with a spiral staircase and beautiful wood floors. Island kitchen with butler's pantry and spacious family room with fireplace. Game room with wet bar is upstairs. This home has 4,332 sq.ft., 2 stories, 5 bedrooms, 4 full / 1 half baths and 3 car garage.
Sales Price: $601,990
Available: Ready!

23 Mohawk Path Place
A wonderful home for entertaining. A large family room with corner fireplace adjoins the kitchen. Dramatic hickory plank wood floors downstairs and carpet in all bedrooms. Impressive granite countertops and thermador appliances. Media room and game room with wet bar upstairs. This home has 3,533 sq.ft., 2 stories, 4 bedrooms, 3 full / 1 half baths, 3 car garage.
Sales Price: $528,990
Available: 6/08

27 Mohawk Path Place
A lovely home with winding staircase, and striking wood floors. Spacious kitchen adjoins hearth room and family room with fireplace. Master bedroom has sitting area. Media room and game room with wet bar. Second staircase in family room. Covered balcony. Hearth room and master bedroom open to covered patio. This home has 4,142 sq.ft., 2 stories, 5 bedrooms, 4 full / 1 half baths, 3 car garage.
Sales Price: $598,990
Available 8/08

19 Mohawk Path Place
This lovely home has a large entry with curved staircase and lots of beautiful tile floors. Island kitchen with granite. Master bath with granite countertops. Media room and game room upstairs with wet bar upstairs. Covered balcony. This home has 4,314 sq.ft., 2 stories, 5 bedrooms, 4 full / 1 half baths, 3 car garage.
Sales Price: $615,990
Available: 8/08

If you'd like to visit any of these properties please don't hesitate in contacting the specialist, Luis Tamborrel directly at (281) 813-6027 or contact him by eMail here.

Masonry Award presented for work in East Shore

The Masonry Award was presented to Hogatt LP for their work in East Shore. Hogatt LP , a masonry contractor who has been designing several architectural features that are present in The Woodlands' Lakefront urban Community known as East Shore. The firm recently won the Landscape Project of the Year Award that was presented by Masonry Construction Magazine.

Several textures, colors and patterns were used in this project including Cheyenne sandstone, Cheyenne flagstone and Cimarron limestone. This firm created the stone entryway, a circular-shaped plaza at Colonial Park and the bridge in East Shore in the Woodlands and by their incredible work, they won this acclaimed award. Hogatt LP was already a Golden Trowel Award winner in a statewide competition at the Texas Masonry Council's Annual Convention in August of 2007.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net

La Costa Garden in East Shore The Woodlands

Stonemark Builders LLC will begin construction this spring for La Costa Garden homes in East Shore, the Garden District of The Woodlands Town Center.

Inspired by Mission-Style architecture, the properties at La Costa are designed to form a lakeside village within walking distance of the shore of 200 acre Lake Woodlands.
The enclave will be near Olmstead Park in East Shore on a site that is bounded by Lake Front Circle to the west, Shell Port Square to the north and Woodlands Parkway to the south.

La Costa includes 42 condominiums in 14 two-story buildings. Each building is designed around a courtyard garden that connects three unique floor plans in each building, each with an attached two-car garage. Three distinctive designs are featured. Prices will range from the high $300's.

"La Costa will be the only project in East Shore Park with its own amenities. Stonemark has done an outstanding job of designing this enclave in the setting of East Shore. We have gotten very good feedback on the designs from Realtors and prospects, and feel that La Costa will be very popular with home buyers", Driggers said.

La Costa includes 42 condominiums in 14 two-story buildings, priced from the high $300's.

The Conservatory At Alden Bridge Scheduled To Open March 2008

The Conservatory at Alden Bridge, a 237-unit senior independent living community, is scheduled to open in March 2008 in The Woodlands Village of Alden Bridge.

The Conservatory is being built on 10 acres located at the southeast corner of Alden Bridge Drive and Crownridge Drive. The Conservatory at Alden Bridge will be comprised of elegant one- and two-bedroom suites with luxury finishes such as granite countertops, marble vanities, crown molding, nine-foot ceilings, decorator series paint palette, stainless steel appliances, walk-in closets, and full-size washer/dryer connections.

The leadership team at Conservatory Senior Living is dedicated to providing a superior retirement experience for people age 55+. Their founders recognized a need for gracious living environments offering a choice of outstanding services for reasonable fees rather than the expensive buy-in entrance fee plan that continuing care communities offer.

Conservatory's mission is to create a setting that encourages seniors to design the best possible retirement lifestyle for themselves. For that reason, the community offers programs for the body's strength, flexibility, balance and general health to extend senior's independent lifestyle.

The Conservatory also offers an enrichment program for the mind, utilizing Posit Science's Brain Gym program that stimulates brain processing mechanisms to function faster and more effectively, with profound effects for memory, cognitive function, and quality of life
Moreover, The Conservatory at Alden Bridge will offer activities programs, fine dining, a beauty salon, a pool, a 50-seat state-of-the-art movie theater and service employees to include a concierge, dining staff, management staff, maintenance staff, housekeeping staff, executive chef and staff, driver and social director. Conservatory's residents will also enjoy the convenience of living near neighborhood shopping at Alden Bridge Village Center.

The Conservatory at Alden Bridge's combination of extraordinary luxury, services, amenities, and value makes the Conservatory lifestyle truly unique.

Source: www.thewoodlands.net by The Woodlands Development Company

Sterling Ridge | Huntington Homes

If you are looking for the home of your dreams then look to Huntington Homes. Huntington was founded on the idea that you should be able to find the home that you've always wanted, and that the process of building your home should be as satisfying as living there.

In the early 1990s, brother-and-sister home building team Rod Sanders and Jean Ann Brock noticed an increasing demand for mid-range custom homes that epitomized the best in craftsmanship and personal service. And so, in 1991, they created Huntington Homes.

At Huntington Homes they allow you to make custom changes that will personalize your home to meet your needs. You will work with your own interior designer, who will work with you to make personal decorating choices for your home.

Homes Ready for Move-In

Player Trail - Sterling Ridge - The Woodlands

>> 35 Camelot Oaks Ct. $878,000, 2 Story, 3,800 sq.ft, 4 beds, 3 baths, sunroom, gameroom up stairs, Golf Course Lot

>> 7 Club Ridge Ct. $765,900, 1.5 Stories, 3,336 sq.ft., 3 beds, 3 baths

>> 11 Club Ridge Ct. $832,900, 2 Story, 4,200 sq.ft., 4 beds, 4.5 baths

>> 3 Club Ridge Ct. $845,900, 2 story, 4,267 sq.ft, 4 beds, 3.5 baths

2007 - The second best year on record for property sales in Houston

Average and median single family home prices continue to rise despite a fourth consecutive decline in sales in December.

HOUSTON - 2007 was one of the best years on record for the real estate market in Houston, second only to 2006 (Statistics released by the Houston Association of Realtors). This record was achieved despite a fourth consecutive decline in sales in December that reflects the effects of the real estate slowdown.

The total of property sales for December 2007 registered 5,957 which represented a 23.5% decline compared to December 2006. However, the total of dollar volume for 2007 reached its highest level ever with year-end sales of 83,432 properties totaling $16.6 billion. The average single family home price for December rose 5.7% from last December to $216,433; while the median home price for a single family home increased 2.4% to $153,630.

The full year median sales price was $152,000, or an increase of 1.6% compared to 2006. The full year average sales price was $206,393 or an increase of 3.9% compared to last year.

Even that the Real Estate market in the nation has slowed down, Houston has kept a pretty straight line on the chart. The prices have increased a little in the last years but were not inflated like in other states.

The Woodlands Real Estate market is very active since many potential buyers from out of state and Mexico are coming to invest and live here.

The Woodlands will seek more funds for parks

The Woodlands will pursue state funding for some of its new parks through a local municipal utility district.

The Woodlands plans to apply for funding from Texas Parks & Wildlife for a neighborhood park in Creekside Park and for an area park being developed in the new 400 acre site acquired in Sterling Ridge. Funding would help defray the cost of building the two new parks for the Community Associations of The Woodlands and The Woodlands Development Co.

Since the developer and the homeowners' associations are ineligible to apply for state funding, the grants will be pursued through the Harris County/Montgomery County Municipal Utility District 386, which covers the two areas. As part of the process, the utility district has to provide Texas Parks & Wildlife with a master plan for its parks in those areas. That plan has been prepared by The Woodlands Development Co. and can serve applications for any new facilities built in the two areas.

Source: www.Chron.com by Beth Kuhles

Custom Home Open House in Sterling Ridge Set for this Weekend

Eight beautiful custom homes, priced from $599,950 - $1,980,000, will be open to the public during the upcoming Custom Open House hosted by The Woodlands Custom Homes on Saturday, January 19 and Sunday, January 20 from 1-5 pm.

Located in the Village of Sterling Ridge, five of the homes feature views of the Gary Player Signature golf course or lake orientations.

Pictured is 7 Sterling Dale Place by Charles Martin, an estate home on the golf course that is priced at $1,699,000 and ranging in size from 3,800-7,070 square feet.

Source: TheWoodlands.net by The Woodlands Development Company

Optimum Computer Solutions, INC. To Expand In The Woodlands

ptimum Computer Solutions, Inc., an IT consulting firm, has purchased a 1.3-acre site on West Ridge Drive in The Woodlands for expansion of its company headquarters, according to Greg Jordan, director of commercial sales for The Woodlands Development Company.

The site is adjacent to the firm’s existing 6,000-square-foot building. A one-story, 20,000-square-foot building will be constructed on the site, with completion expected in fall of 2008.

Source: TheWoodlands.net by The Woodlands Development Company

Marcel Development & Maintenance, LTD. Purchases Land for Additional Retail Center

Marcel Development & Maintenance Ltd. has purchased a 3.2-acre site near the corner of Woodlands Parkway and Ashlane Way for construction of Marcel Crossing II, a 27,000-square-foot retail center.

The center will be situated on McBethWay behind the Valero Corner Store, according to Greg Jordan, director of commercial sales for The Woodlands Development Company. Construction is expected to begin this year, with opening planned for summer of 2008. Marcel Development has completed several other projects in The Woodlands, including Marcel Crossing, another retail center at Woodlands Parkway and Ashlane Way; and Marcel Professional Plaza, a Class A office building at Research Forest Drive and New Trails Drive.

Vernon Veldekens of Marcel Development represented the buyer and Jordan represented the seller. The Woodlands is a 28,000-acre master-planned community located 27 miles north of downtown Houston. It is a project of The Woodlands Development Company, a limited partnership of Morgan Stanley and General Growth Properties, Inc.

Source: Thewoodlands.net by The Woodlands Development Company

Real Estate Market

Hi there, I just wanted to let you know that we're getting ready to celebrate Christmas, work a little bit during the week and then receive the 2008 with all the energy.

Our team is preparing a series of reports for the home sales in 2007 in The Woodlands which I'll be posting soon...probably the first week of January.

Okay, happy holidays to everybody.

Luis Tamborrel, your The Woodlands Real Estate Specialist.